The Hebrew word Yᵉrîyʻôwth, represented by H3408, is the name of an Israelitess, Jerioth. It appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole use is to identify a specific woman within the genealogical record of an important Israelite family.
The single appearance of H3408 is in the book of Chronicles, which details the lineage of the tribes of Israel. The passage states that Caleb H3612, the son of Hezron H2696, had sons with his wife Azubah H5806 and also with Jerioth H3408. This verse explicitly identifies her sons as Jesher H3475, Shobab H7727, and Ardon H715, securing her place in the family history 1 Chronicles 2:18.
Several related words in the passage help clarify the familial relationships surrounding Jerioth:
- H3612 Kâlêb (Caleb): The father of Jerioth's children. He is identified as a significant figure from the tribe of Judah Numbers 13:6 and the son of Hezron H2696.
- H5806 ʻĂzûwbâh (Azubah): Named as a wife of Caleb in the same verse as Jerioth, establishing her as another matriarch in Caleb's family 1 Chronicles 2:18.
- H802 ʼishshâh (wife): This word defines the relationship of Azubah to Caleb, and the context implies a similar relationship for Jerioth as a mother of his children 1 Chronicles 2:18.
- H1121 bên (son): This term is crucial for defining the lineage, specifying that Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon are the sons of Caleb and Jerioth 1 Chronicles 2:18.
The significance of H3408 is entirely contained within its genealogical function, highlighting the importance of record-keeping in scripture.
- Maternal Lineage: The mention of Jerioth is critical for establishing the maternal line of her three sons, ensuring their heritage is fully documented.
- Family of Caleb: Her inclusion in the record clarifies the family structure of Caleb, a prominent leader. She is listed alongside his wife Azubah H5806 as a mother of his children 1 Chronicles 2:18.
- Historical Accuracy: The name Jerioth contributes to the detailed and precise nature of the Chronicles, which aim to provide a complete historical account of Israel's families.
In summary, H3408 is the proper name Jerioth, an Israelitess mentioned once in the Old Testament. Her sole appearance serves a vital historical purpose: to identify her as the mother of three of Caleb's sons. While limited in use, the word underscores the meticulous detail with which biblical genealogies were preserved, ensuring that even individuals with a brief mention are recorded as part of Israel's heritage.
TRV